Device for external fixation strut measurement and real-time feedback

Pending Publication Date: 2022-03-10
SMITH & NEPHEW INC +2
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a device that can measure and feedback adjustments made to a strut of an external fixator. The device can confirm that it is attached to the correct strut and determine if the length adjustment is correct. It provides real-time feedback to an individual making the adjustments, ensuring that they are complying with the prescription for length. This improves the likelihood of successful bone alignment. The device consists of a coupling component, a strut measurement component, and a communications interface. It can be easily attached and detached from the strut and provide detailed information about the strut to a user device.

Problems solved by technology

It is often difficult for a patient or HCP to make the adjustments to each strut properly.
That is, individuals often adjust the incorrect strut or adjust the strut to an incorrect length.
Adjustments to the struts that do not comply with the prescription can cause significant setbacks to the care of the patient.

Method used

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  • Device for external fixation strut measurement and real-time feedback
  • Device for external fixation strut measurement and real-time feedback
  • Device for external fixation strut measurement and real-time feedback

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

first embodiment

[0101]FIG. 4 illustrates a strut measurement and feedback device 400. The strut measurement and feedback device 400 may represent the strut measurement and feedback device 204 as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the strut measurement and feedback device 400 is coupled to a strut 402. The strut 402 can be a strut of the external fixator 202 as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0102]The strut measurement and feedback device 400 may include a high-resolution camera 406. The camera 406 may be used to visualize laser markings (not shown in FIG. 4 for simplicity) on the outside of the strut 402. The camera 406 may also be used to visualize movement of a strut pin (not shown in FIG. 4 for simplicity) positioned within a slot 408 of the strut 402. Multiple images of the strut pin can be captured and analyzed to calculate the motion of the strut pin within the slot 408. In various embodiments, the motion of the strut pin can be analyzed using image processing functionality residing on the st...

second embodiment

[0113]FIG. 5 illustrates a strut measurement and feedback device 500. The strut measurement and feedback device 500 may represent the strut measurement and feedback device 204 as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the strut measurement and feedback device 500 is coupled to a strut 502. The strut 502 can be a strut of the external fixator 202 as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0114]The strut measurement and feedback device 500 may represent an alternative arrangement, form factor, or design of the strut measurement and feedback device 400. In various embodiments, the strut measurement and feedback device 500 may include the same or similar components and may provide the same or similar functionalities as the strut measurement and feedback devices 204 and 400. As shown in FIG. 5, the strut measurement and feedback device 500 is positioned over a strut pin 504 that can be used to detect an absolute position of the strut 502 as described above in relation to the strut measurement and fe...

third embodiment

[0118]FIG. 7 illustrates a strut measurement and feedback device 700. The strut measurement and feedback device 700 may represent the strut measurement and feedback device 204 as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the strut measurement and feedback device 700 is coupled to a strut 702. The strut 702 can be a strut of the external fixator 202 as depicted in FIG. 2. The strut 702 can include an outer body component 710. Positioned within an interior of the strut 702 can be a rod 704 (e.g., a threaded rod) that can be moved relative to the outer body component 710.

[0119]The strut measurement and feedback device 700 can include an ultrasonic measuring device or component to determine a length of the strut 702 (and / or a position of the rod 704). As shown in FIG. 7, the strut 702 can include an opening or window 706 that can accept an arm or extension component 708 of the strut measurement and feedback device 700. The arm component 708 can be positioned within the opening 706 ...

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Abstract

A strut measurement and feedback device and corresponding systems and methods for use with an external fixator are disclosed. The strut measurement and feedback device can be attached to a strut of an external fixator. The strut measurement and feedback device can confirm that the strut measurement and feedback device is attached to a proper strut to be adjusted. The strut measurement and feedback device can provide real-time feedback to an individual as the length of the strut is being adjusted to ensure the length adjustment complies with a prescription for the length of the strut. As a result, a patient can more effectively comply with the prescription as adjustments to the strut are made over time, thereby improving the likelihood of successful bone alignment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 799,132, filed on Jan. 31, 2019, entitled “Device for External Fixation Strut Measurement and Real-Time Feedback,” and is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 62 / 815,475, filed on Mar. 8, 2019, entitled “Device for External Fixation Strut Measurement and Real-Time Feedback,” which are all hereby incorporated by reference into the present application in their entireties.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to orthopedic devices, systems, and methods for facilitating fracture alignment, and particularly to a strut measurement device for use with an external fixator to provide real-time feedback on length adjustments to a strut to ensure the length adjustments are made in accordance with ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A61B17/62A61B17/66
CPCA61B17/62A61B17/66
Inventor HEOTIS, CHARLESMASON, JOHNNYNOBLETT, ANDREWBELL, PAULGRUSIN, NATHANIEL KELLEYFERRANTE, JOSEPH
Owner SMITH & NEPHEW INC
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